Texas House Bill HB3504

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the availability of death records of unidentified persons.

Impact

If enacted, HB3504 would significantly alter the framework governing how the state manages and disseminates death records. This increased availability is expected to benefit families and loved ones seeking closure for unidentified cases, as well as assist various state agencies and organizations involved in public health and safety. The expedited access to such records may help organizations and authorities in their efforts to identify missing persons or individuals found deceased under unclear circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 3504 addresses the accessibility of death records pertaining to unidentified individuals in Texas. The proposed legislation amends Section 552.115(a) of the Government Code, establishing criteria under which death records become public information. Specifically, it states that death records for unidentified persons will be accessible to the public one year following the date of death, rather than the previously mandated 25 years for identified decedents. This change aims to enhance the transparency of governmental processes and provide timely information regarding unidentified individuals.

Contention

While proponents of HB3504 argue that making death records available sooner enhances community awareness and aids in identifying the deceased, critics may raise concerns over privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information. There are implications regarding how quickly such sensitive information is released to the public and the potential for unintended consequences, such as impacting ongoing investigations or infringing on the privacy rights of those involved.

Final_notes

The bill is currently referred to a committee for further discussion and evaluation. As with any legislative adjustments involving personal information and public records, it will likely undergo scrutiny regarding its balance between transparency and individual privacy rights.